Landscape centre stage for Dartmoor Killing selected for Breakthrough strand in London Film Screenings

Dartmoor Killing, the atmospheric psychological thriller set in and inspired by Devon, has been selected for the Breakthrough strand of the London Film Screenings in June at the BFI.

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London Screenings’ annual Breakthrough strand provides a platform for emerging British filmmakers to showcase their work to the international marketplace.

The strand has an impressive track record, with five of last year’s eight titles picked up for sales representation.

This year, Dartmoor Killing is one of the five films looking to get some early traction.

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The story follows ‘two 20-something friends who are led into a web of mind games, sexual deceit and betrayal when they meet an enigmatic stranger on a weekend trip’.

The psychological thriller puts the Devon landscape its central character and was shot on the Devon moor last summer and will have its UK premiere at an open air screening on Dartmoor in September.

The film stars Gemma-Leah Devereux, Rebecca Night, Callum Blue and David Hayman.

‘British moorland is deeply embedded in our culture and psyche, from the Brontes and Conan Doyle to the horror associated with Saddleworth Moor; it’s both romantic and mysterious but also dangerous and threatening,’ Peter said.

‘We wanted to tap into this heritage and capture the cinematic potential of a unique British resource that’s rarely seen on the big screen.’

Dartmoor Killing is the feature film debut for Peter, who grew up near Dartmoor. It follows a successful 25-year career in television. In 2006, he won a BAFTA for his Channel 4 drama-documentary Nuremberg – Goering’s Last Stand.

The film’s script, co-written with Isabelle Grey (BBC Accused), won Best Screenplay at Tulsa International Film Festival and the project was then developed through Film London’s ‘Build Your Audience’ and Micromarket programmes.

Deborah Sathe, head of Talent Development and Production at Film London, said: ‘It’s been a pleasure to work with the Dartmoor Killing team and see how their skills have developed through Film London’s Build Your Audience and Micro Market initiatives. Having the film shown as part of London Screenings’ Breakthrough strand is a logical step for the film’s journey, and it also demonstrates how Film London’s talent development offer can effectively support emerging talent through their career progression.’

The film was produced by Bristol-based Jayne Chard and the executive producers include Penny Wolf, Luke Randolph and Gina Fucci. It will be released in the South West through the Merlin and Scott Cinema chains and Independents, Watershed, Barn Cinema and Plymouth Arts from September 18, 2015.